LCRx vs 360PD?

[geedavell]

I have several 357's but I'm looking for one a bit lighter for backpacking.
I'm looking at both the Ruger LCR(x) and the Smith 360/340PD
Anyone shot the two side by side?
Is the Smith worth twice the price of the Ruger?

[Title1guy]

I have the 340PD, as well as the M&P 340. Both are stout, ok....painful, with full power .357 loads. So, I shoot them with 38+p. But, I can shoot .357 if I want to.They are a joy to carry, however. The 340PD is 11 something ounces empty and the M&P 340 is 13 something ounces empty. I bought them used, as you can usually find them at good prices by those who didn't like the recoil and want to dump them. I have no experience with the LCRx, though I read the trigger is better out of the box. I put Apex Tactical kits in both of the S&Ws to reduce the trigger pull a bit; took out the locks, and both sport CT grips for enhanced aiming and recoil mitigation.....so I've invested into the platform. As always...if you can try before you buy....do it. That may also help with the budget decision. Good luck.

[D.A.V.I.D.]

I think the trigger is better on the ruger. I own a 340pd and the only reason I do is because I wanted a gun I could carry if I didn’t have a belt on. It’s very light and with a Harry’s holsters icon I can have it on in gym shirts and it’s not noticeable.

[smittty]

I owned the 340 and a 3" 360 and they are painful to shoot with 357 mag and some pullets will jump their crimp from the excessive recoil.

For backpacking I carry a LCRx3 38 sp with Buffalo Bore 158 gr Outdoorsman ammo. The gun is 15 oz and has a full size grip. It's a pleasure to carry and shoots well. I recommend it over the those S&W's.

[TORRGAR9]

Totally agree with the LCRx 3 in for backpcking. Hits and shot placement count more that the small power advantage of the 357 from a light wt gun.
My dream kit gun would be a LCRx3 in 327 Federal. I know keep dreaming.

[geedavell]

I didn't know that made the LCRx in a 3 inch model.
I think that would work better for me even.
I currently hike with a S&W 627 which weighs in about 38 oz.
The LCRx3 is only 15 oz or so.
Gunbroker, here I come!

[geedavell]

Totally agree with the LCRx 3 in for backpcking. Hits and shot placement count more that the small power advantage of the 357 from a light wt gun.
My dream kit gun would be a LCRx3 in 327 Federal. I know keep dreaming.

They are all over Gunbroker and I'm pretty sure the are on the Cal. roster

Never mind, that's only the 1.875"

[TORRGAR9]

Yes, the LRC 327 is on the list, but Ruger does not make a LCRx 3in in 327 Fed.
3in LCRx's have adj. sights are SA/DA and can use most common 32 cal. factory loads made. ( even 32ACP ).

[DrewN]

Totally agree with the LCRx 3 in for backpcking. Hits and shot placement count more that the small power advantage of the 357 from a light wt gun.
My dream kit gun would be a LCRx3 in 327 Federal. I know keep dreaming.

I just wish Ruger would give us a true 3" LCR as well as the LCRx. I had hopes of being able to swap the frames, but they don't quite match.

[bergmen]

LCRx .38 Special 3" barrel (Model 5431, on California roster):



Dan

[mat19er8]

Wow , that Ruger is ugly!

[IVC]

I have 360PD and it's on my CCW. I use it for hiking, pocket carry in a light nylon holster.

It's a 38 Special gun. Sure you can technically shoot 357, but you'll be less effective. The recoil is nasty (I'm talking full power loads; if you load light, it's just a 38 Special in longer case). For bigger hands, you don't have enough grip to prevent twisting before it cuts into your flesh. If I had a proper larger grip, it would be a possibility. With the small factory grip it's a hard "no".

What I like about it is the weight. And size. Feels like smartphone. Doesn't bother me in strenuous activity, while sweating, in the hot sun. Is it ideal for self defense? Not even close. But it fills a specific niche no other gun does that well - an ultralight for prolonged active days. And I actually have it on me, rather than rationalizing why I didn't take with me another larger gun.

[SkyHawk]

I scored the 3" LCRx for $295 in a PPT four years ago. It had barely been shot - those were the good old pre-pandemic days for gun prices.

It is a great gun - lightweight, great trigger, and perfect barrel length for the pack or tackle box.

[DrewN]

Wow , that Ruger is ugly!

Counterpoint: They are like Glocks, you can beat the crap out of them and never think twice. Glove box,tackle box, boat, tool box, whatever.

[bergmen]

Wow , that Ruger is ugly!

I have the .22 LR and .22 Magnum versions of this and they are the most comfortable grip of most revolvers I own. Slick action, tight lock-up, accurate.

Springs are heavy but I can get used to that. I would get the .38 Special version in a heartbeat if they were available. BTW, 17.3 oz for the .22 LR.

Dan